22 July Paris

Another big day as we want to see everything. No sleeping in as we are have to meet a bus to go to Versailles. This is about 13 miles out of Paris. It took about 40 minutes to get out there, as we were part of Paris’ Rush hour. Some roads and roundabouts have no lanes and when 4 rows of traffic converge into a teeny space it is very scary to watch with lots of horns tooting and hand gestures. Surprised we didn’t see any accidents though heard lots of sirens so I guess accidents were happening with amazing rapidity, we were not there to see it. A panel beater would make a fortune here. The city of Versailles was built around the Palace. It was all about incredible extravagance. 36,000 workmen built the Palace and the surrounds. The gardens are massive. Louis 14th lived till he was 77 and out lived his sons, grandsons and great grandsons. Many died of particularly nasty diseases, which I will not describe but you can guess. I can now understand why the French revolution came into being as the royal family just robbed the economy of everything it had and were totally absorbed in their own selves. I guess we would not have the incredible buildings we are seeing today if it wasn’t for them. That is history for you. They made their furniture from solid gold rather than have money in the bank (not that there were banks back then) when times were tough, you took a dining room chair to be minted into coins and you were able to remain in the style you were accustomed to for a wee while longer. There are over 1000 rooms in the Palace. We viewed a few. The photos speak for themselves.
4 hours later we had real Italian Pizza then went to the Louvre and saw what we wanted to see. My art history studies came to life with recognition of many paintings I had studied. A great experience none the less. Can tick this one off the to do list.
The evening was spent with a package deal of a dinner cruise of the Seine, a great time had. Buzz posed with the Captain and the chef of course. At this stage the skies opened and it poured. We had left the umbrella and parka at the hotel so had to brave the elements in our finery with the Eiffel tower being our next visit. Fortunately the rain eased and we were transported by lift to the second level, then discovered for another 5 euros each we could catch a lift to the top. Wow, what a view as the photos prove plus a once in a life time experience. Never thought we could go to the top. The last part of our trip was called Illuminations, which is a bus tour of the lights of Paris. Thought a bit disappointing as we had a slack commentary and the heavens decided to reopen which didn’t help. Another late night. Have to repack for Norway tomorrow.